Blog Bits

Posted: Friday, July 18, 2008

Executive Editor Jason Winders, on the growing move to ban plastic bags as an environmental hazard:

... I get asked every now and again if we would consider not using plastic bags to deliver the newspaper in every day. I never really had an answer for those questions, so I went to Ron Forrest, ABH circulation director, who finds himself in charge of such things.

The use of plastic delivery bags is at the discretion of each newspaper delivery contractor. Outside of their contractual responsibility to deliver a "dry, readable paper" ... the newspaper does not control whether they use or don't use bags. Although our bags are not recyclable, our corporate purchasing crew is looking into purchasing bio-degradable, eco-friendly delivery bags ... .

So until then, what can you do? A delivery tube is an option for subscribers ... but it will not keep papers dry during times of heavy moisture. Yes, a reader can request "no bag delivery," but Ron says they should be prepared to get frequent wet papers. I guess this might be the one benefit of drought. And then there's the Web site, which I understand isn't the same for many of you, but it is always nice and dry.

Of course, not everyone likes the idea of moving away from plastic bags. Progressive Bag Affiliates, an offshoot of the American Chemistry Council, has been spinning against the idea, even threatening lawsuits if cities dare challenge the almighty plastic bag. ...

But outside industry scare tactics, it seems like an idea worthy of discussion. A ban on plastic bags would involve a minor bit of a cultural shift ... but nothing that would disrupt life. ... It would be a cost savings to businesses and consumers alike.

Read and comment on the entire entry, and on blogs from other Banner-Herald staffers, by visiting us online at blogs.onlineathens.com.